615 all laws are connected - The Quest for Immortality

### Chapter 615: All Laws are Connected In the realm of Qianxue State, within one of the twelve sects, the Duanjin Sect boasts its premier technique: The Duanjin Swordsmanship! Mo Hua caressed the jade slip, elated, and immediately scanned it with his spiritual sense. Inside the jade slip, the text was detailed, the lineage complete. Indeed, this was the true sword technique of the Duanjin Sect, containing three comprehensive categories of sword cultivation content: - Methods of Sword Qi Cultivation - Art of Sword Crafting - Spiritual Sword Manipulation Techniques Mo Hua was taken aback. This was a genuine inner sect inheritance of the Duanjin Sect. No wonder it's so powerful... He couldn't fathom how Jiang Lao Da managed to steal it... Pondering this, Mo Hua took a cursory glance and then stashed away the jade slip of the Duanjin Sword Technique. There was so much information, he'd need to find time to thoroughly research it later. Another jade slip remained, sealed by an uncertain magnetic pattern, revealing its contents unknown. Mo Hua initially thought the two Duanjin jade slips were upper and lower volumes of the sword technique. But now it seemed something was amiss. The open jade slip already had a complete sword technique inheritance, so the other jade slip surely concealed different contents. "Could it be other inheritances of the Duanjin Sect?" Mo Hua mused to himself, somewhat hopeful, as he focused on unlocking the seal of the other jade slip. To Mo Hua's surprise, while the two jade slips appeared identical in their crafting, the "sealing patterns" differed drastically. One was traditional, exhibiting the sect's style of sealing. The other was unconventional and obscure, as if from a completely different school of Daoist cultivators, with peculiar usages of auxiliary thunder patterns. This differed significantly from the auxiliary thunder pattern library Mo Hua had quietly amassed. Unable to proceed directly, Mo Hua resorted to extracting a new jade slip, categorizing these alien auxiliary thunder patterns used by a different school of Daoist cultivators. Mo Hua sensed intuitively that though this was his first encounter with such auxiliary thunder patterns, it would not be his last. Thus, preparation was essential. Gather all their thunder patterns comprehensively, line by line. He never engaged in unprepared battles. Yet, due to the necessity to analyze, categorize, and decipher from the beginning, the process proved lengthy. After resuming from a year's worth of insights, Mo Hua spent another half month before, through a mix of effort and a stroke of luck, he "accidentally" deciphered the sealing patterns of the other Duanjin jade slip. Mo Hua exhaled with relief, then eagerly gazed into the jade slip with his spiritual sense. Considering the sealing method's meticulousness and the sealing patterns' peculiarity, the jade slip surely held some extraordinary inheritance or classified "secret." Yet upon viewing, Mo Hua was dumbfounded: "March 7... Kidnapped one, sold, gained 800,000 spirit stones." "Out of brotherly affection, distributed 100,000, kept 700,000 myself." “To prevent dissent, falsely claimed earnings of only 120,000, retained 20,000 for myself…” “My brothers hail me as a good elder brother.” …… This is… Mo Hua furrowed his brows. A journal-like record? What respectable cultivator keeps a diary? Jiang Lao Da must be out of his mind? Even dividing loot gets recorded… Mo Hua's anticipation of a precious inheritance turned to disappointment. But having gone through such effort to unravel the seals, he concluded it was worth reading, regardless, and continued with interest... …… “March 28…” “Old Six’s dishonesty led to exposed secrets, pursued by Daoist Enforcers…” “We can’t let one jeopardize so many brothers…” “Old Six is dead…” “I killed him, I’m deeply saddened.” “Yet I trust Old Six knew my intentions and bears no grudge…” …… “April 1…” “Old Four is suspicious…” …… “April 10…” “My embezzling was discovered by Old Four.” “He demands a fifty-fifty split.” “I’m disappointed at his greed, after all our brotherhood.” “Tearfully, I killed him…” “Yet due to past bonds, I gave his mistress and illegitimate son some consolatory spirit stones, my brothers all praised my honor…” “My brothers understand me, I’m comforted…” …… “May 4…” “Lost two brothers, recruited three new ones…” “These three seem clever, not sure how long they'll last.” …… “July 12…” “Four died, deeply saddening…” …… “Sigh, in these times, building something is difficult, can’t keep brothers…” …… “Continuous setbacks in ventures, morale waning…” “Brothers lacking effort, unable to capture targets, earn spirit stones, the Golden Core seems unattainable, I’m deeply anxious.” …… As the latter sections were heavily edited, the text was fragmented, forcing Mo Hua to skip through: “Poor market conditions…” “Oppressed by the Daoist Enforcers, a pack of curs!” “Curse that Gu Changhuai! Curse him!” “If I achieve the Golden Core one day, Gu Changhuai’s blood shall consecrate my Duanjin Sword…” …… “Celebrated after slaying another expert…” “The Duanjin Swordsmanship, undoubtedly the bedrock technique of Duanjin Sect, has left none alive under its blade…” “No wonder the Duanjin Sect held this sword technique in such high esteem and refused to teach me…” “The aura of the Duanjin Sword is unerring, the golden sword demands lives…” “Once unleashed, the golden glow is ubiquitous, none survive…” “Fantasizing about a glimpse…” “Sadly, Gu Changhuai is Golden Core, the disparity in power too vast, else I’d surely have him taste this sword’s might…” …… “Gained 200,000 spirit stones…” “Lost two more brothers…” “Brothers are unreliable…” …… “September 3, a major deal was set…” The subsequent sections were heavily erased, seemingly obliterated entirely with thick brushstrokes. Mo Hua continued: “Mr. Tu forbade mention, I dare not record…” “Only know once completed, we may even transcend…” Again, erased. “Can’t document… only harbor it, causing discomfort…” “Enough…” “September 10, auspicious and profitable.” “Unfavorable execution…” “Troubles…” “September 12…” “Not troubled, very smooth, other cultivators perished, our group, weakest and least conspicuous, amazingly succeeded…” “I, Jiang Jingtian, am blessed, Golden Core is in sight.” “Mr. Tu’s final instruction, to…” What was initially written there was scrubbed off, replaced with “cargo.” “… deliver the ‘cargo’ to the outskirts of Qingzhou City, awaiting pickup by those in black… transferring to the Shrine, mission then completes, no complications…” “Qingzhou outskirts, contact, Shrine!” “These must not be forgotten!” …… “September 14…” “Passing through Kuming Shabby Temple, made some ‘extra profit,’ a fool, not worth mentioning…” …… “September 20…” “Today marks the mission’s last day, checked the almanac before departure…” “Suitable for: Departure, farewells, cremation, box opening, meeting friends, groundbreaking, coffin placement…” “Unsuitable: Speaking wrongly, opening kitchens, flying swords…” “Good day for travel and farewell, everything bodes well…” “It’s a good day.” …… The journal ends on this “good day.” After that, Jiang Lao Da embarked, nothing follows… Mo Hua scoured through hoping to find more on the abduction of “Yuer,” but there was little more than he already knew… No mentions of wealth, treasures, or inheritable records either. Mo Hua sighed, finding Jiang Lao Da's journal disappointingly devoid of any valuable content. Mo Hua tucked the "diary" away for safekeeping and pulled out the Duanjin Sword Technique once more. Before beginning to study the sword technique, there was one significant consideration: avoiding trouble with the Duanjin Sect. Despite its allure, the technique belonged to them. If he secretly mastered it and word got out, their pursuit would spell trouble. Even if they didn't pursue him, they might prohibit its usage, making his effort futile. Mo Hua browsed further into the sword technique, discovering there was no need for concern. Even with permission, mastering it was no certainty. He had attended classes on sword cultivation enough to know sword practitioners typically fall into several categories: - Those who solely refine sword qi: They channel spiritual power into sword qi, projecting it to attack from afar, akin to spiritual cultivators. His Uncle Zhang Lan practiced this style, likely using water-based sword qi. - Those wielding swords akin to physical cultivators: They transform spiritual power into sheer force, merging it with the sword's might for close-range combat. Ouyang Feng, his senior, likely trained in such a manner. - The type that fuses sword qi and sword weapons, charging the sword qi and integrating it into the sword, employing spiritual senses for remote attacks: This comprehensive sword manipulation method is the exact technique found in the Duanjin Sword Technique. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses. However, in terms of raw power, the Duanjin Sword Technique, which fully exploits both sword qi and weapon, is undoubtedly the most devastating. The problem is that typical sword practitioners start from a young age, learning to refine sword qi. Mo Hua, lacking in such training, had weak, faded, and dispersed sword qi, compounded by his low spiritual power. Forging the Gold Spirit Sword required by the Duanjin Sword Technique was beyond his means. Among the three areas—sword qi cultivation, sword crafting, and sword control—Mo Hua might excel only in "sword control" due to his strong spiritual senses. Yet, the absence of potent sword qi or a superior spirit sword rendered his skill moot. Mo Hua sighed. "I'll have to take it slow and steady..." He resolved to gradually cultivate sword qi, accumulating spiritual stones or merit to feasibly commission the creation of a spirit sword at a more affordable rate. If, in future, he truly masters the Duanjin Sword Technique, only then would it be time to deal with the sect. Until proven otherwise, it's akin to worrying about an abundance of wealth you have yet to earn—a fool's errand. "It's a pity..." "The grand and dazzling golden sword is currently out of reach..." Mo Hua lamented, slightly disheartened. This endeavor also highlighted a significant aspect—his existing spells were somewhat lacking, particularly in offensive capabilities. His Stealth Technique was a rudimentary, broken form, requiring the support of concealment arrays for effective invisibility. Water Cell Spell was decent, but Fireball Spell... At the Foundation Establishment level, especially in Qianzhou with its plethora of prodigies, a commonplace Fireball Spell, although fast and precise, struggled in power. Useful for supplementing attacks, but its power in direct combat had hit a ceiling, posing little threat. Especially against future adversaries, unlikely to be pushovers. "I'm unable to further my sword skills; I must find a way to learn more formidable spells..." Mo Hua contemplated. After a session in Dao arts, Mo Hua approached the sect’s Daofa Elder for guidance. The Daofa Elder, middle-aged with a slight build, had a keen memory of Mo Hua. Taixu Sect had seen very few disciples with medium to low-grade spiritual roots over the years, none as of late, save Mo Hua. Also, Mr. Xun‘s favoritism towards Mo Hua was no secret amongst the elders, thus despite Mo Hua's lacking roots, they dared not underestimate him. "Elder, what powerful spells am I capable of learning?" Mo Hua tentatively inquired. Pondering for a while, the Daofa Elder hesitated in providing an answer. Mo Hua resignedly stated, "Elder, please be frank..." Clearing his throat, the Daofa Elder tactfully replied, "Surely you're aware, the more potent the spell, the stricter the conditions..." "Firstly, the grade of spiritual root is vital..." "Some powerful spells necessitate superior or even top-grade spiritual roots for learning and execution..." "Without upper-grade roots or superior cultivation methods, your qi pool is too limited, spiritual power too weak to wield such high-power spells." The Daofa Elder gave Mo Hua a telling glance, implying Mo Hua was aware of his own spiritual roots and cultivation methods without needing explicit mention. "Additionally, there’s the attribute of your spiritual roots…” he continued. "Certain spells demand specific attributes like thunder, ice, wind, and pure gold, or ether wood, heavy water attributes to reach their full potential." "Your... ah…" The Daofa Elder paused, finding themselves at an awkward description. "Your small five elemental roots mean you've got a touch of everything, but nothing particularly strong…" "So the spells you can learn are generally more 'mediocre.'" The Daofa Elder's wording was considerate, using "mediocre" rather than plainly saying "commonplace." “Such spells rarely hold notable power...” he softly concluded. Significantly dispirited, Mo Hua hung his head. Seeing this, the Daofa Elder compassionately offered a suggestion, "However, your innate approach to spells has profound merit..." "Focusing not on raw power but on speed for surprise, striking swiftly and accurately can indeed achieve unexpected victories." "Your Fireball Spell is quite sophisticated; its power is notable, yet it's still constrained by its fundamental limitations..." The Daofa Elder regretted. Mo Hua understood this well. Though potent, his Fireball Spell paled in comparison to the elite family-inherited spells in Qianzhou, serve merely to hone one’s aim. Firing quickly provided a preemptive edge. However, in scenarios requiring overwhelming force, the Fireball Spell alone was insufficient. Array formations, while powerful, consumed resources and pre-planning, lacking the immediacy and simplicity of spells. Thus, Mo Hua sought further advice: "Elder, what spells do you recommend I study for my future advancement?" After some reflection, the Daofa Elder cautiously responded: "Technically, I shouldn't advise you in such a manner, for the sect's regulations are quite clear..." "Not only is Taixu, but all the sects across Qianxue State emphasize the grade of spells, adhering to 'overwhelming strength’ principles, wielding the most powerful spells with robust spiritual power, aiming for singular, decisive victories." "Daoist assessments follow this convention." "But you are an exception..." "Given your weaker spiritual power, perhaps you should expand your repertoire with spells of lower wear and higher execution speed, drawing from all Five Elements." "Remember, spiritual power is subject to cycles of generation and conquest, as are spells." "Knowing many spells enhances your versatility and agility, allowing you to seize initiative in conflict." "Many spells, though seemingly inferior, offer powerful utilities such as stealth, complexity, and undetectability." "The cycling of the Five Elements connects all laws." "Even mastering low-level spells can win through sheer volume, casting successive spells to keep opponents on the backfoot." "Of course, it hinges on first overcoming your opponents’ ‘Golden Body Spell,’ before unleashing your spell barrage.” Mo Hua’s eyes brightened with renewed inspiration. Becoming a Spell Master! Mastering the Five Elements, channeling endless spells, his spiritual power in perpetual flow, spells emerging tirelessly. With a Five Element Array underfoot to bolster his power, he could become a 'spell artillery’ of sorts! Even low-level spells could overwhelm adversaries through sheer numbers. "However..." Mo Hua queried, "Must I learn Five Elements spells entirely? Can I simply focus on Fireball Spell?" Even in future spell learning, his strongest might invariably be the Fireball Spell. The Daofa Elder responded, "It's not solely about might; certain spells possess irreplaceable functionalities." Mo Hua decided to store the "diary" aside and refocus on the Duanjin Sword Technique. Before delving into the technique, he needed to ensure he wouldn't attract trouble from the Duanjin Sect. Despite its allure, the sword technique was distinctly theirs. If he stealthily learned it and they found out, he would be on the run. Even if they refrained from chasing him, they might still restrict its usage, rendering his efforts meaningless. Mo Hua paged through the sword technique again, realizing he may have worried prematurely. Even if he were allowed to learn it, mastering it was another challenge. He recalled various sword cultivation classes revealing that sword practitioners are typically categorized into: - Those focusing on sword qi: Spiritual power is refined into sword qi for ranged attacks. His Uncle Zhang Lan's cultivation likely involved water-based sword qi. - Those wielding swords similar to physical fighters: Their spiritual power integrates with the sword's might for melee combat. His Senior Ouyang Feng trained in such a manner. - The comprehensive technique combining both, channeling qi into a sword and using spiritual senses for control: This is the technique detailed in the Duanjin Sword Technique. Each category has unique advantages and disadvantages. However, in terms of absolute power, the Duanjin Sword Technique harnesses sword qi and weapon efficacy, making it the most formidable. Yet most sword cultivators begin young, honing their qi from an early age. Mo Hua, lacking such experience, had weak and scattered sword qi, compounded by insufficient spiritual power. Forging the specialized Golden Spirit Sword, integral to the technique, was beyond his financial reach. Within the areas of sword qi cultivation, sword crafting, and control, Mo Hua might excel only in "control" due to his strong spiritual senses; however, without potent sword qi or a superior weapon, his skills would be moot. Mo Hua sighed. "This requires long-term planning..." He needed to gradually improve his sword qi, gather resources, and maybe one day afford the materials for a spirit sword. Only once proficient in the Duanjin Sword Technique, should he worry about encountering the sect's ire, much like fretting over an unearned fortune. "A pity…" "That magnificent, shining greatsword is out of reach for now..." Mo Hua felt a tinge of dissatisfaction. Alongside this disappointment, the revelation that his current magic was somewhat lacking, especially in offensive capabilities, became apparent. His Stealth Technique, a basic and incomplete form, was dependent on further concealment arrays for effect. Water Cell Spell worked well, but the Fireball Spell... At his level, in a region brimming with prodigies, the commonplace Fireball Spell, though quick and precise, lacked power. Only auxiliary at best in direct combat, it had reached its peak, offering minimal threat. Especially against future adversaries, likely far from trivial. "I need more potent magic since I can't further sword skills..." Mo Hua mused. After a Dao arts class, Mo Hua sought guidance from the sect’s Daofa Elder. The middle-aged and slightly overweight elder remembered Mo Hua due to his unique spiritual roots as well as Mr. Xun’s favoritism towards him, ensuring no elder dared underestimate him. "Elder, what formidable spells might I be able to learn?" Mo Hua inquired cautiously. After a pause, contemplating his response, the Daofa Elder hesitated in his choice of words. Mo Hua reassured, "Elder, please feel free to speak candidly..." Clearing his throat, the elder articulated, "You're surely aware that the stronger the spell, the stricter its prerequisites..." "Firstly, the quality of the spiritual root..." "Some potent spells necessitate superior or even top-grade spiritual roots to learn and cast. Without these, your spiritual power and qi pool may fall short of wielding high-power spells." The elder gave Mo Hua a knowing glance, implying he should already understand the limitations of his own cultivation background. "Furthermore, spiritual root attributes come into play…” he continued. "Certain spells hinge on specific attributes—like thunder, ice, wind, pure gold, ether wood—requiring these for full effectiveness." "Your... uh," the elder hesitated, "Your elemental roots are diverse but not particularly strong in any single area..." "So the spells you might learn are generally more average." The elder's phrasing was considerate, using "average" rather than directly saying "run-of-the-mill." “The power of such spells often can’t be particularly high…” the elder concluded softly. Mo Hua felt a wave of dejection. Sensing his disappointment, the elder suggested compassionately, "Nonetheless, your approach to spell usage is insightful..." "Focusing not on sheer power, but speed and precision can result in strategic advantage." "Though your Fireball Spell is refined, its potential reaches a ceiling. Yet your approach is perceptive, laying groundwork for a diverse skill set, which holds strategic depth." The elder appreciated Mo Hua's understanding. Despite the constraints, his proficiency with Fireball came to serve as recognition, albeit unable to match the rich family-heirloom spells in Qianzhou. Rapid casting provided an edge, but when potent suppression was necessary, Fireball alone could not suffice. Arrays offered power but required resources and complex setup, not the immediacy and simplicity spells offered. Hence, Mo Hua asked, seeking more practical forms of guidance: "Elder, given these constraints, which spells would you advise me to cultivate for future enrichment?" The elder carefully paddled through potential suggestions: "Ordinarily, I wouldn’t guide this way, given our sect's clear delineations..." "Both Taixu Sect and other sects in Qianxue State value high-grade spells, upholding principles of overwhelming force through optimal spiritual power, championing straightforward dominance." "Competitions adhere to these principles." "However, you are distinct..." "Given your comparably weaker spiritual power, perhaps embracing a broader spread of lower-demand spells across all Five Elements is wiser." "Recognize spiritual power is subject to elemental cycles, as are spells." "Extending your spell repertoire enhances versatility, affording tactical preemption." "Certain spells, though seemingly basic, harbor unreplicable utilities—be it secrecy, versatility, or evasiveness." "The Five Elements interlace, connecting endless possibilities." "An arsenal of even basic spells can triumph through volume, stacking successive spells upon adversaries." "Granted, disrupting opponents’ defenses like 'Golden Body Spell' precedes useful suppression through spell usage." Mo Hua’s eyes lit up with rekindled determination. He envisaged becoming a Spell Master! Mastering the Five Elements—channeling endless spells—his spirituality sustaining unending sequences, magic persistent. Augmented by a Five Element Array beneath his feet, his spell output amplifying—he could become a veritable 'magic turret'! Even basic spells could be deadly in sheer volume, suffocating foes. "But..." Mo Hua pressed, "do I need to study all Five Element spells? Can focusing on something like Fireball suffice?" Even while expanding his spell portfolio, his strongest might inevitably be Fireball. The elder asserted, "It's not merely about power; certain spells offer irreplaceable functionalities." "Like when opponents bolster themselves with Golden Body Spell: your Fireball may falter, yet something like Gold Blade, though less destructive, could reduce their spell duration." "If your Fireball is quick, some spells outpace it in that instantaneous moment, interrupting foes." "There are spells for breaking 'Water Armor,' extinguishing 'Fire Shields,' applying 'Wood Toxin,' disrupting physical forms." "Infinite spells have unique utilities..." Mo Hua recalled Kui Lao's teachings from long ago, illuminating a realization, murmuring: "Laud the endless arts, each with its merits; their mastery resides in the heart?" The elder, surprised yet approving, nodded, "That's precisely it..." "You’re newly Foundation-established, lacking much duel experience, but with practice against diverse cultivators, you’ll uncover the depths within spells." "Formidable spells are, of course, advantageous." "But that doesn't render infinite spells trivial or irrelevant." "Spells carry principles of the world, mastering more unveils deeper understanding, strengthening your prowess." "Your strength in arrays suggests understanding of this..." Mo Hua nodded repeatedly, understanding dawned sharply. The Daofa Elder was gratified at Mo Hua's comprehension but reminded, “However, should supreme spells fit your scope, they remain preferred for superior power and simplicity…” “Lacking such capacity prompts my guidance.” “And despite mastering lower-tier spells, sect assessments likely won’t favor high scores due to its strictures—you’d often land a ‘C’ grade…” “I must emphasize this—no blame-shifting if it reflects otherwise…” “Nor blame Mr. Xun for student misguidance…” Mo Hua chuckled, “I understand, thank you, Elder.” The elder confirmed Mo Hua’s acknowledgment and felt relief. … Upon returning, Mo Hua set about becoming an all-spell “master of arts”... The Duanjin Sword Technique might temporarily sit unused. However, spell cultivation was exigent. Knowing he needed to amass merit for tasks with Senior Murong and others, each new spell would fortify his approach. Expanding skills would endow resilience instead of restricting his capability. Taixu Sect’s spells, however, required merit for acquisition. Perusing merit records, he confirmed inclusion of wide-ranging Five Element spells—thousands, varied in form. None came cheap. Lowest at dozens of merit points, highest at hundreds. A few superior Five Element spells demanded a formidable thousand merits. Mo Hua silently acknowledged gratitude that such supreme spells were beyond his grasp—sparing him needless squandering... Yet for tens of merits, contrasting formation studies, they were affordable. Yet he anticipated learning much alongside arrays, deepening his merit strain. Moreover, value lagged behind price. Lower-tier spells presented mediocrity despite being baseline—no grand savings here... To embody a “master of arts,” necessitating abundant spell mastery he could no longer merit alone... “Could there be meritless paths to spells?” Mo Hua pondered for days, without insights... One day, exhausted post-array studies, laying in bed, flipping Jiang Lao Da’s diary— He noticed some anomaly. Woven amidst the journal’s language, Mo Hua sensed faint magnetic flow... Magnetic flow... Auxiliary thunder patterns? “That doesn’t add up…” The jade slips’ sealing patterns were for unsealing. The slips’ internal patterns related to text manifestation... Yet intermingled textual thunder patterns—where did they emerge from? Mo Hua was startled, recalling discussions with Zheng Fang about seals and codes, feeling a leap. These pattern traces revealed... A cryptic code?! Jiang Lao Da’s indecipherable antics encrypted even diaries? Thanking 10110hong, Dufengshi for rewards! (.) (Chapter End)